SSA Spends $59.5M on Laptop Refresh for DCO, OHO, DDS Sites via BPA Call
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $59,536,345 ($59.5M)
Contractor: NCS Technologies Inc
Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration
Start Date: 2020-03-26
End Date: 2021-04-25
Contract Duration: 395 days
Daily Burn Rate: $150.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO RESTOCK THE LAPTOP DEPOT WITH CURRENT GENERATION LAPTOP TECHNOLOGIES AND INITIATE A MAJOR LAPTOP REFRESHMENT FOR DCO, OHO, AND DDS SITES.
Place of Performance
Location: GAINESVILLE, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 20155
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Social Security Administration obligated $59.5 million to NCS TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO RESTOCK THE LAPTOP DEPOT WITH CURRENT GENERATION LAPTOP TECHNOLOGIES AND INITIATE A MAJOR LAPTOP REFRESHMENT FOR DCO, OHO, AND DDS SITES. Key points: 1. Significant investment in IT hardware refresh to modernize agency infrastructure. 2. NCS Technologies Inc. is the awardee, indicating a specific vendor relationship. 3. The contract aims to procure current generation laptops, ensuring technological relevance. 4. This action supports multiple key agency sites, suggesting widespread operational impact.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award amount of $59.5M for a laptop refresh appears reasonable given the scale of the refresh across multiple sites. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT hardware procurements would provide further context on pricing efficiency.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. The use of a BPA Call indicates a streamlined procurement method, potentially leveraging pre-negotiated terms and pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to ensure federal employees have up-to-date technology, which can improve productivity and efficiency, ultimately benefiting public services.
Public Impact
Ensures federal employees have access to modern computing resources, potentially improving service delivery. Supports the operational continuity and technological advancement of critical agency functions. Invests in the agency's IT infrastructure, reducing risks associated with outdated hardware.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if this is a recurring refresh strategy with the same vendor.
- Risk of rapid technological obsolescence for 'current generation' hardware within the contract period.
- Dependence on a single awardee (NCS Technologies Inc.) for a large portion of the agency's laptop needs.
Positive Signals
- Procurement under full and open competition.
- Focus on current generation technology to maximize utility.
- Supports multiple key agency sites, indicating broad impact.
Sector Analysis
The IT hardware sector is characterized by rapid innovation and price fluctuations. This procurement falls within the Electronic Computer Manufacturing NAICS code, reflecting a significant investment in core IT infrastructure for a federal agency.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or if opportunities were missed.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to NCS Technologies Inc. Oversight would involve monitoring contract performance, adherence to specifications, and ensuring fair pricing throughout the period of performance.
Related Government Programs
- Electronic Computer Manufacturing
- Social Security Administration Contracting
- Social Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Potential for rapid technological obsolescence.
- Reliance on a single vendor for a large refresh.
- Need for clear lifespan and refresh cycle alignment.
Tags
electronic-computer-manufacturing, social-security-administration, va, bpa-call, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Social Security Administration awarded $59.5 million to NCS TECHNOLOGIES INC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO RESTOCK THE LAPTOP DEPOT WITH CURRENT GENERATION LAPTOP TECHNOLOGIES AND INITIATE A MAJOR LAPTOP REFRESHMENT FOR DCO, OHO, AND DDS SITES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NCS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Social Security Administration (Social Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $59.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-03-26. End: 2021-04-25.
What is the expected lifespan of these 'current generation' laptops, and how does it align with the refresh cycle to ensure value for money?
The expected lifespan of 'current generation' laptops typically ranges from 3-5 years. Aligning this with the refresh cycle is crucial for maximizing return on investment. If the agency's refresh cycle is shorter than the hardware's practical lifespan, it could lead to premature replacement and wasted funds. Conversely, if the cycle is longer, the agency risks operating with outdated technology, impacting productivity and security.
How was the pricing benchmarked against the market to ensure the $59.5M award represents a fair and reasonable price for the quantity and quality of laptops procured?
Pricing for large IT procurements is typically benchmarked against government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs), commercial price lists, and historical data for similar configurations. The Social Security Administration likely conducted market research and requested detailed pricing from NCS Technologies Inc. to ensure the award was fair and reasonable. Independent government cost analysis or comparison with other agency procurements could further validate the pricing.
What specific measures are in place to ensure the successful deployment and integration of these new laptops across the DCO, OHO, and DDS sites, and what is the contingency plan for technical issues?
Successful deployment typically involves detailed project management, phased rollouts, user training, and robust IT support. The contract likely includes provisions for delivery, installation, and potentially configuration. Contingency plans should address potential issues like hardware failures, software incompatibilities, and network integration challenges, ensuring minimal disruption to agency operations and continued service delivery.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7669 LIMESTONE DR, GAINESVILLE, VA, 20155
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $59,536,345
Exercised Options: $59,536,345
Current Obligation: $59,536,345
Actual Outlays: $59,536,345
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 28321320A00040013
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-03-26
Current End Date: 2021-04-25
Potential End Date: 2021-04-25 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-29
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